Office of the Historian

182. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski) to President Carter1

Washington, June 12, 1978

SUBJECT

  • Canal Treaty Ratification Documents

Cy has sent the documents, which will be exchanged in Panama, for your approval.2 When we learned that the Panamanians had put two “understandings” in their instruments of ratification, we suggested to State that they consult on the Hill first before submitting them to you. The first Panamanian understanding reaffirms the commitments of both countries to certain provisions regarding non-intervention contained in the UN and O.A.S. charters.3 The second provides that action to maintain the Neutrality Treaty be done in a manner consistent with the “principles of mutual respect and cooperation.”4

Cy notes that the Instruments and Protocol are acceptable to the Senate leadership and members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In addition to these legal instruments, we are planning to issue a joint communique5 which reaffirms the principles on non-intervention, mutual respect, and cooperation. This communique is not legally binding, and so we did not consult with the Senate on it.

RECOMMENDATION

That you approve the documents sent by Cy.6

We have consulted with the Senate leadership and members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and find that the Instruments and Protocol are acceptable to them. As soon as you have approved them, we will prepare signing copies with the Government of Panama.7

JC
  1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Staff Material, North/South, Box 41, Pastor, Country, Panama, 6/1–14/78. Limited Official Use. Sent for action.↩
  2. The Panama Canal Treaty ratification documents are attached but not printed. See footnote 2, Document 185.↩
  3. Brzezinski underlined the majority of this sentence. See footnotes 3 and 4, Document 160.↩
  4. Brzezinski underlined the majority of this sentence.↩
  5. Brzezinski underlined “joint communiqué.”↩
  6. Carter checked the approve option and initialed below the options.↩
  7. Carter checked the approve option and initialed below the options.↩